CVE-2019-3967 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE
In OpenEMR 5.0.1 and earlier, the patient file download interface contains a directory traversal flaw that allows authenticated attackers to download arbitrary files from the host system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3967 resides within the OpenEMR medical records management system version 5.0.1 and earlier, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that significantly compromises system security. This issue affects the patient file download interface, which is a core functionality designed to allow authorized users to access medical records and associated documentation. The flaw enables authenticated attackers to exploit improper input validation mechanisms within the file retrieval process, creating a pathway to access sensitive system files beyond the intended patient data scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the file download handler. When users attempt to download patient files through the web interface, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the file path parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate directory navigation sequences such as ../ or ..\ to traverse the file system hierarchy. This flaw specifically manifests in the way the application processes file names and paths, where user-controllable variables are directly incorporated into file access operations without proper boundary checks or canonicalization. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal flaws as weaknesses in input validation that permit unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to retrieve sensitive system information including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and potentially system binaries. An authenticated attacker with access to the OpenEMR system can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges and gain comprehensive knowledge of the underlying system architecture. This reconnaissance capability enables further exploitation attempts such as credential theft, system compromise, or data exfiltration operations that could result in significant regulatory compliance violations under healthcare data protection regulations like HIPAA. The vulnerability essentially removes the boundary protections that should exist between legitimate patient data access and system-level file access, creating a backdoor that undermines the entire security model of the medical records system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3967 require immediate implementation of input validation controls and proper file path handling within the OpenEMR application. Organizations should upgrade to OpenEMR version 5.0.2 or later, which includes patches addressing the directory traversal vulnerability through proper input sanitization and file path canonicalization. System administrators must implement additional protective measures including restricting file download permissions, implementing web application firewalls with directory traversal detection capabilities, and conducting thorough access control reviews to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive file operations. The remediation approach should align with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, as attackers may attempt to exploit this vulnerability to gain additional access credentials or escalate privileges within the compromised system environment. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the vulnerability has been properly addressed and that no similar flaws exist within the broader application ecosystem.